USOPC Chief Calls for Peace Between Anti-Doping Agencies Amidst Olympic Hostage Threats

The USOPC Chief urged American and world anti-doping bodies to collaborate, assuring support for WADA. The tension between WADA and USADA could jeopardize U.S. hosting 2028 and 2034 Olympics if WADA's authority is not upheld. The dispute began over a 2021 case of Chinese swimmers testing positive for banned substances.

The United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC) Chief on Thursday urged American and world anti-doping bodies to cooperate while assuring support for WADA as the supreme anti-doping authority.

Amid a heated feud between the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA), the USOPC, along with the 2028 and 2034 Olympic host committees, have found themselves caught in the middle. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) warned U.S. officials to back WADA or risk losing the games.

The IOC awarded Salt Lake City the 2034 Winter Games but included a clause to terminate the contract if WADA's authority is undermined. USOPC board chair Gene Sykes emphasized their commitment to the world anti-doping code, urging for collaboration between the organizations.

(With inputs from agencies.)